Free Ready for You by Celia Juliano

uniform. His son bore a strong resemblance to him, his younger self, who had a kinder, more open face. An expression she saw sometimes in Rocco’s smile. She touched her finger to the photo before quickly replacing it when Sabrina walked in. Chiara clasped her hands in her lap and glanced at the young woman.
     
    “Would you like iced tea or lemonade?” Sabrina asked, motioning to her that they were ready.
     
    Sabrina led her into the kitchen, as warm and inviting as Chiara remembered. The table was set with cream colored dishes, silverware, blue cloth napkins, glass tumblers, a chopped salad, fruit salad, rolls, and brownies. Sabrina poured Chiara some iced tea and they all sat. Mrs. Buffone asked about the boys and Chiara explained their camp schedule and asked about Mrs. Buffone’s grandsons, who were also attending summer camps, except Sabrina’s brother, of course.
     
    “He’s so much like his father at that age,” Mrs. Buffone said. Her eyes unfocused and she sighed, almost imperceptibly.
     
    “Did you notice the photo of my dad in his uniform?” Sabrina asked.
     
    “Yes,” Chiara replied. Oh God, she saw me. I kissed this girl’s father not even an hour ago. Chiara took a bite of her salad.
     
    “I wish I could’ve seen him play,” Sabrina said.
     
    “Didn’t he when you were young?”
     
    “Not really. He was in a local league for awhile. I don’t remember much.”
     
    “How old were you when your parents divorced?”
     
    “Seven.”
     
    The same age as Danny would be. “It must have been hard on you.”
     
    “Yeah, but I think it was worse for my dad and brother. I had my mom and grandparents.” Sabrina smiled at her grandma, who patted her hand.
     
    “Yes, Rocco and Shawn went through some hard times, but they’re better now,” Mrs. Buffone said.
     
    “I’m sorry. The divorce wasn’t his choice?”
     
    “No,” Sabrina said as Mrs. Buffone ate. “But they’re both happier now. My mom’s been dating a great guy. He’s divorced and has two adult children too.”
     
    “What about your dad?” Chiara asked.
     
    “He’s not seeing anyone.” Sabrina and her grandma exchanged dissatisfied looks. “I worry about him sometimes, but he insists he likes his life the way it is.”
     
    Chiara set her fork on her plate and dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “He mentioned you’re going to SDSU in August?”
     
    “Uh-huh. I’m looking forward to it.”
     
    “We’ll miss you,” Mrs. Buffone said.
     
    “I went to college in San Diego,” Chiara said. “It’s a fun city. Have you been there before?”
     
    “A few times. My first trip there was on our last family vacation with my parents. I’m hoping to talk my dad into taking my best friend and me down next month. I didn’t get to see much last time I went. I want to get a feel for things before school starts. Maybe he’ll meet someone nice while we’re there.” She shot her grandma a sly smile.
     
    “What good would that do?” Mrs. Buffone said. “He just bought his house.”
     
    Chiara rubbed her thighs and tried to keep a smile plastered on her face.
     
    “What good?” Sabrina said. “You know, Grandma. Men need women more than we need them. He needs someone.”
     
    “True, but listen to you. Eighteen and knows everything.” Mrs. Buffone laughed.
     
    “Sometimes we know ourselves better when we’re young,” Chiara said in a quiet voice. “We forget…I wish I’d stayed true to my eighteen year old self.” If she had, she would never have married Phil. Or stayed married to him.
     
    “See, Grandma, she agrees with me. Too bad you don’t have a single twin.” Sabrina smiled.
     
    Chiara took a sip of tea. She glanced at Mrs. Buffone but quickly stared at her plate. In that brief look, Chiara felt as though Mrs. Buffone could read her mind, could see how she longed to be the one for Rocco. She believed Mrs. Buffone studied her, her knowing, wise eyes considering every twitch of